The evening at Castle Hill was a truly enchanting start to the Festival’s 25th Anniversary celebrations. A champagne reception set the tone for a night of musical brilliance, followed by a recital featuring the esteemed British tenor Nicky Spence and the captivating young soprano Caroline Taylor, accompanied by the world-renowned pianist Roger Vignoles. An interval with canapés and wine provided the audience with a chance to unwind, mingle, and savour the occasion.
Nicky Spence reaffirmed why he is among today’s most sought-after tenors, effortlessly blending vocal excellence with charismatic stage presence. His rendition of Jeremy Nicholas’ comic masterpiece Valentine Card had the audience in stitches. Meanwhile, Caroline Taylor mesmerised with her exquisite performance of Rachmaninov’s songs and delivered a gripping interpretation of Strauss’ Ophelia Lieder, cementing her reputation as a rising star.
The programme, brilliantly curated by Roger Vignoles, was both compelling and beautifully structured. A recurring theme of Shakespearean texts and songs wove through the evening, reminding us of how widely his words have been set to music—not only in English but in various languages. The selection balanced familiar favourites with lesser-known gems, creating a journey of discovery. Roger’s introductions were perfectly judged—insightful, engaging, and peppered with fascinating anecdotes. The pacing was masterful: the first half demanded full attention, the second allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere, and the final segment was pure delight.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Castle Hill for their warm hospitality and to Savills for their generous sponsorship, both of which contributed to an unforgettable evening.
It was clearly much enjoyed from the comments we have subsequently received:
“The singers were lovely and funny and Roger was sublime. We were both very touched to be treated to such amazing, delicious canapes.”
“A special evening with a wonderful atmosphere.”
“Thank you all for a perfect evening. It was a delightful program of sublime and entertaining song enjoyed in a warm and beautiful home with delicious food and drink amongst such a friendly group of people. How lucky we are to have the top musicians coming to perform for us on Exmoor and Dartmoor.”
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